13 Festive Fall Kitchen Decor Ideas to Bring Autumn Colors (and Coziness) Inside
Oh, fall — the season of leaf-peeping, apple-picking, and, of course, chili-making! It’s the time of year where the temperature starts to drop while we admire the leaves’ vibrant hues in one last gorgeous hurrah before winter. For many, it’s also a time to deck out your home in all things autumn, from making simmer pots that make your home smell like fall to hiding mini pumpkins in every nook and cranny. And don’t forget about all the great fall kitchen decor that turns the heart of your home into a harvest oasis!
Fall kitchen decor can transform your space into a cozy haven, and luckily for the autumn-obsessed, there are plenty of ideas to draw inspiration from floating around. We’ve rounded up some of the top decor ideas to try in fall 2024, from knit pumpkins to burlap.
1. Create an eye-catching, fall-themed centerpiece.
No autumn-centric kitchen is complete without a centerpiece — an essential for defining a room’s aesthetic, drawing the eye to a gorgeous focal point that issues a warm welcome to anyone who enters. Think of it as the beautiful bow on the gift of your autumn-graced kitchen! Now’s your chance to get creative — your centerpiece can be any size and can contain anything and everything your heart desires.
Choose from a base, like a mason jar or a wooden box, then throw in some pinecones, faux (or real!) pumpkins or gourds, an assortment of fall flowers, leaves and woody twigs — you get the gist. Make one yourself, or choose a pre-made centerpiece (this one from Etsy shop Roseford Lane is stunning) to add that wonderful touch of autumn to your kitchen table or island, perfect for any fall get-together.
Our picks: Harvest Pumpkin Centerpiece, Harvest Milk Jug Mixed Centerpiece, Fall Mason Jar Centerpiece
2. Add rustic touches in fall colors.
When you think of fall, what’s the first color you think of? Was it orange? Thought so. It makes sense, as varying shades of orange are central to fall color palettes that resemble the season’s lovely foliage.
There are colors that pair well with orange to create a typical fall color scheme, like red and yellow. However, if you want to create eye-catching contrast with your kitchen decor, pair that orange with a darker, cooler color instead, like a navy blue or plum purple to make the orange look warmer. You can do this with dishes, centerpieces, or other accents. I love this cute little rustic set from Etsy shop Bluestem Market that features a few DIYs you could totally pull off, in coordinating orange and navy hues.
Our picks: Purple and Orange Pumpkin Fall Sign, Small Blue Truck Decor Piece, Orange and Blue Fall Floral Glass Cutting Board
3. Use knit pumpkins to add an extra comfy touch.
Let’s be honest: Anything that’s knit generally has a cozy feel to it. Create a warm, welcoming atmosphere by gracing your kitchen table and countertops with knit pumpkins. They’re surprisingly versatile decor pieces, fitting into styles like farmhouse and cottagecore, and they look just as great matching as they do when you mix and match fall colors like orange, burgundy, and yellow.
Another perk of using knit pumpkins is that they make great additions to centerpieces or larger fall kitchen decor displays. Combine different sizes and styles (like these from The Wool Nest) to create a glorious knit pumpkin patch right in your kitchen. You can also check your local Aldi for their cozy new pumpkin decor.
Our picks: Autumn Set of Knit Pumpkins, Gourmet Knit Pumpkin, Decorative Orange Knit Pumpkins
4. Break out the table runner.
Materials like burlap and linen can add an unmistakably rustic appeal to your fall kitchen decor. These materials works with so many home styles and decor themes thanks to their breathable material and neutral colors. One way to incorporate them into your fall kitchen decor is to place an autumn-centric table runner on your kitchen island or table.
A table runner adds a nice touch to any space and creates a stylish base for your centerpiece. You can also get table runners with autumn designs on them, like pumpkins and leaves, to bring your whole autumn look together. For a pop of visual interest, incorporate a checkered linen pattern , like this one from Etsy shop Magic Linen.
Our picks: Red Truck Burlap Fall Table Runner, Fall Decor Burlap Table Runner, Fall Leaves Burlap Table Runner
5. Place fall wreaths on your kitchen cabinets.
Add an extra pop of autumn to your kitchen by hanging decorative fall wreaths on your kitchen cabinets, like these festive ones from Etsy shop Blessings and Boxwood. Grab the step ladder and decorate cabinets of all heights with accents of gorgeous shades of orange, red, and yellow fall foliage.
Don’t want to put them on your cabinets? Try hanging them on the pantry door, in front of the kitchen window, or even right on your walls. Putting wreaths in the kitchen adds a surprising, but stylish, twist to your fall look (that can even work through the winter).
Our picks: Artificial Wreath with Bright Oak Leaves, Sunflower Wreath for Fall, Flowers and Leaves Elegant Wreath
6. Capture fall in stunning mason jars.
Is there anything a mason jar can’t do? Put fall-themed items like flowers, faux berry branches, and twinkling lights in some canning jars to create a comfy autumn ambiance. Here’s a beautiful example from Etsy shop Redwood Home.
The mason jar’s adaptability in fall decor is admirable — it can be clear as day or painted in vibrant fall colors, and look beautiful either way. It can be used as a solo piece on a kitchen hutch, or grouped together to create a glorious ode to fall on the kitchen island. If you don’t feel like doing it yourself, grab a pre-made display and pop it in your kitchen for a no-fuss masterpiece.
Our picks: Mason Jar Centerpiece with Lights, Mason Jar Wall Decor, Mason Jar Flower Display
7. Make your own pumpkin-shaped candles.
Nothing is more gratifying than a DIY project that turns out amazing. And I love this super-simple pumpkin candle project from Alice & Lois. Using just a few simple ingredients, they use small sugar pumpkins to create a fall candle that makes a perfect addition to your autumn tablescape. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make a candle out of a pumpkin, including everything you’ll need.
8. Decorate the space above your cabinet.
Sure, fall foliage makes for lovely accents for centerpieces, vases, and mason jars in the kitchen, but don’t forget about those hidden opportunities to add a touch of life to the season, like above your kitchen cabinets or over your window.
I love the look of these fall leaves that Emily Welch from Cozy Home & Life has added above her kitchen window. They coordinate perfectly with the rest of the fall decor she’s placed around her kitchen.
9. Add tea towels for a pop of autumn color.
Want that warm-and-snuggly fall aesthetic for your kitchen? You may not want to add throw pillows, but you can include autumnal tea towels! These allow you to add some cozy fall color to your kitchen. Pair them with a small rug or some colorful potholders for a seasonal look. These stay-in-place dish towels from Etsy shop The Blessed Peach are so cute, and functional, too!
10. Light some fall-inspired candles for a luxe experience.
This one’s for those who want the real deal when it comes to candles. Put a fall-scented candle (like this pumpkin spice soy candle from Etsy shop Hazel Candle Company) in your kitchen to grace your nose and eyes with autumn’s loveliness. Fall candles are typically brown, red, or another fall color (and are often even pumpkin-shaped!), and come in a plethora of autumn scents, like delicious apple spice or sweet ol’ cinnamon. You’ll keep the fall color palette intact and fill your kitchen with signature autumn scents. Plus, the glow of the candle’s flame will make your kitchen feel comfy and inviting.
11. Spice up your stovetop with pumpkin-shaped cookware.
It’s time to cook something hearty in the fall wonderland you call your kitchen. Bring autumn to your oven by investing in pumpkin-shaped cookware that’s efficient and aesthetically pleasing. It’s a little decor detail that makes a big difference — and, luckily, there are plenty of pumpkin-shaped pieces to choose from, including ceramic baking dishes and soup pots.
Our picks: Staub Ceramic Pumpkin Cocotte, Ceramic Ramekins Set, Le Creuset Stoneware Pumpkin Baker
12. Sprinkle in some acorns to add a natural touch.
Yep, you read that right. Acorns aren’t just those tiny nuggets you see in your yard — they also make for cute decor! Collect some acorns with the family, paint them your preferred color scheme, and, voilà!, you have DIY-friendly decor for your centerpieces and mason jars. And if you don’t feel like foraging for acorns, don’t worry — there are plenty of acorn-themed pieces to pick up, like these adorable wool ones from Etsy shop SheilaWeilStudios. Grab some fabric acorns, acorn lights, or wooden acorn knick-knacks to create a natural fall feel.
Our picks: Handmade Fabric Acorns, Acorn String Lights, Wooden Acorn Tray Decor
13. Place fall-tastic canisters around your kitchen.
Canisters serve countless purposes in the kitchen, from holding flour or sweets, to housing cooking utensils. They also make for great decor, adding bursts of seasonal fun in the kitchen. Get your space ready for autumn by placing them around the space, complete with images of pumpkins, changing leaves, and, of course, mushrooms! (I love these vintage mushroom canisters from Etsy shop Lynn and Gail.) If you want to keep it simple, decorate with a fall-colored canister, like orange or gold, which you could year-round.